We have the snowdrops, too, which I think of as a winter plant, here in Staten Island, a few hours north. Bulbs are sending up sprouts, but the herbs are hiding. I am waiting for hellebore, too. I am hoping the cold snap and snowfalls reduce the tick population this year.

My German-Hungarian father used to make lentil soup for New Year's Eve, too. The first spoonful would tell how prosperous you would be in the new year. We'd all try to take a huge spoonful with as many lentils as possible, for each lentil represented each dollar you'd make in the coming year. I have red lentils, some Za’atar from Pat Crocker, spinach and lots of potatoes. I will make this soup for dinner tonight. Thanks, Susan!

Wow! A six-week garden festival at Epcot! Who'd have thought! Great photos and how wonderful to have your daughters along with you. This makes me want to take the safari ride.

The South is very seductive in color and greenery and warmth, but I am always glad to be home. Here in Staten Island, NY, the yellows of daffodils and forsythias have given way to the blues and purples of vinca, phlox, lilac, scilla, azalea, and dwarf comfrey, accented by white dogwoods and biennial lunaria. A short heat wave finished off the tulips early this year.